Since we added PDF/A support in our most recent Win2PDF 7 release, we’ve had some questions about this new type of PDF file. First, the basics.

What is PDF/A?

It’s basically a subset of the PDF file format used to archive data for long-term storage (the A stands for PDF/Archive). It is an ISO standard (ISO 19005-1:2005) that does not need to depend on external programs or information to be displayed, all information is entirely self contained. It does not permit the inclusion of any executable scripts, audio, video and/or encryption. In contrast, a regular PDF file may substitute fonts (because not all fonts are saved in the original file), and may have these other types of data “linked” within the PDF file, but not “contained” within the PDF file.

Why is it increasingly being used in government (and courts in particular)?

It’s an ISO standard file format. Regardless of what application creates the PDF/A file, all PDF/A files will conform to the same rules. Which is good for…

Archiving. Since these files are self contained buckets of information, the file will be able to be viewed in the future and look exactly as it did when it was created. If the PDF file linked to external information, there is no guarantee that information would be accessible in the future.

It’s more secure and readily accessible. Again, since it doesn’t allow encryption it keeps the document accessible, and since it doesn’t allow external links to data sources, it prevents security exploits. And finally…

It’s mandated in many situations. The Administrative Office of the US Courts identified the potential risk of not being able to reliably access archived digital files in the future in 2010. Since then, many district Courts now mandate the PDF/A standard for court documents. It is also mandated by law in several European countries.

With Win2PDF 7, just select “PDF for Archiving (PDF/A)” as the Win2PDF file save type. [Update: Win2PDF will create a file that complies with the PDF/A-1b standard)]. It will still have a .pdf file extension, and it is just as easy to create a PDF/A file as it is to create a normal PDF file.

Win2PDF file save window - Save as PDF/A

How do I know Win2PDF has created a PDF/A file?

First, make sure you have the latest version of Adobe Reader installed. Then, open the PDF file and you’ll see a notice in Adobe Reader that states: “The file you have opened complies with the PDF/A standard and has been opened read-only to prevent modification.”

2 Responses to PDF/A – the PDF file for Archiving

Seeing that message in Adobe Reader does NOT actually mean the file complies with PDF/A, it means (as the latest versions of Reader show), that means that the file CLAIMS CONFORMANCE with PDF/A. You still need to run a REAL validation process to prove compliance.

Also, you should probably clarify that your software is producing PDF/A-1b compliant files and does not offer support for PDF/A-1a (the more complete compliance level), nor does it support the newer PDF/A-2 or PDF/A-3 standards.

Thanks for your comments. Yes, the message PDF/A message in Adobe Reader is not the same as a full PDF/A validation, but it is useful to determine if Win2PDF is configured to produce PDF/A rather than standard PDF. We have clarified this section in the blog post.

The current version of Win2PDF creates PDF/A-1b compliant files, and we have clarified this as well. Win2PDF does not currently support PDF/A-2, but may support it in the future.